Armor of God
The phrase "Armor of God" (Greek: πανοπλίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, panoplian tou Theou) is derived from Ephesians 6:11: "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (King James Version).[1] As a biblical reference, the metaphor may refer to physical armour worn by God in metaphorical battles, or it may refer to vigilant righteousness in general as bestowed by the grace of God (Romans 13:12, King James Version): "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."
Pieces of armor
[edit]The following biblical texts in Ephesians chapter 6 mention six pieces of armor:
- belt
- breastplate (θώραξ, thorax)
- footwear
- shield (θυρεὸς, thyreos)
- helmet (περικεφαλαία, perikephalaia)
- sword (μάχαιρα, machaira)
These pieces are described in Ephesians as follows: loins girt with truth (belt of truth), breastplate of righteousness, shoes with the preparation of the gospel of peace (peace), shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit/word of God.[2]
The helmet of Salvation and the breastplate of Righteousness also appear in Isaiah 59:17.[3][4]
See also
[edit]- Bibleman
- Miles Christianus
- New Testament military metaphors
- Shield of the Trinity
- Soldiers of Christ, Arise
- Territorial spirit
References
[edit]- ^ Bible Gateway Passage Lookup: Armour of God, New International Version. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%206:10-18
- ^ "What is the Armor of God?" Website. http://www.crossroad.to/Victory/Armor.htm
- ^ Isaiah 59:17, NIV (BibleGateway).
- ^ Peter Thomas O'Brien, The Letter to the Ephesians, Eerdmans, 1999, ISBN 0802837360, p. 478.